(1) Reported by Muslim (3/61); Abu Dawud (3/70); al-Nasaʾi (1/285); al-Tirmidhi (2/153–154); al-Bayhaqi (4/3); al-Tayalisi (1/168); and Ahmad (nos. 741 and 1064). Additional chains are found in al-Tayalisi and Ahmad (nos. 657, 658, 889, 1175, 1176, 1177, 1238, 1283), Ibn Abi Shayba (4/139), and al-Tabarani in al-Saghir (p. 29). This narration does not contradict the authentic sunnah that permits raising a grave one or two spans so that it may be distinguished and thus protected from desecration. The prohibition concerns leveling whatever has been built up on the grave itself. Should anyone claim otherwise, Shaykh ʿAli al-Qari explains in Mirqat (2/372): “A ‘prominent grave’ (qabr mushrif) is one upon which a structure has been erected so that it rises above the ground, not a grave merely marked off with sand or gravel—i.e., outlined with stones—so that it is recognizable and not trampled. ‘Unless I level it’ means: according to al-Azhar, the scholars recommend raising the grave about one span; anything higher is disliked, and demolishing it is recommended. As for the exact measure, there is a difference of opinion; it has been said up to …”